NORMAN MADDEN BICKELL

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NORMAN MADDEN BICKELL 1920 - 2007 Norman passed away April 9, 2007, in Grace Hospital, after a short but trying battle with cancer. He maintained his ever-present smile and pleasant disposition until taken to rest in peace. Norman was predeceased by his wife Bernice in 1988, by his parents, Bill and Edna and by brothers, Harold and Fred. He is survived by brothers, Bruce and Warren, his daughters, Marilyn (Vic) and Jody (Bruce), along with grandchildren, Colleen (Cam) and Mitch, and great-grandson Carson. Norman was born on December 17, 1920, the second of five sons. A lifelong Winnipegger, Norm grew up on Walnut, attended Gordon Bell High School, where he excelled in athletics and his love of sports endured through his lifetime. A major part of dad's life was his business. He was President and General Manager of Standard Machine Works, a family business started in 1911 by his father. Each day was a great day for Norm as he headed to the office, a daily routine he maintained well into his eighties. Engines were his business and the open invitation for a tour of Standard Machine always brought a twinkle to his eye. It was with great pride that he showed and explained the workings of each and every machine, along with the introductions to every employee. When he could be torn away from Standard Machine Works, Norm also loved to travel. He and Bernice enjoyed their yearly winter holidays, especially Hawaii, while summers were spent at their cottage at Jessica Lake where everyone in the family spent many years, gardening and puttering with Dad. Norm was a lifelong member of The Winnipeg Executive Club, Winnipeg Rotary, The Granite Curling Club and served on the Board of St. Boniface Hospital. Born with a love of the outdoors, Dad was always eager to join friends at the hunting shack at Flea Island or head out on fishing trips, not to mention his enjoyment of golfing and curling with his buddies. Poppa will be greatly missed by his family. If my daughters are happy then I'm happy, was an often coined expression and he taught us to keep smiling, stay positive, and that every day could be a good day. The family would like to thank the staff on the 5th floor at Grace Hospital for their loving care and concern. In accordance with Dad's wishes, cremation has taken place along with a private family memorial. In lieu of flowers a contribution to a charity of choice may be given in his name. Rest in peace Dad. neil bardal inc. 949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 13, 2007